Thine Body is a Temple

Thine Body is a Temple

Physical activity does not have to happen in a overly large room filled with muscle addicts who strive to lift that one extra repetition. Even though I count myself as one who attends the gym as if it were a church, physical activity is any activity that requires energy expenditure. ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) recommends 150-minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. The words "Physical activity is good for ones health" are heard everyday from various sources. The question remains, why is being active good for my health?

Everyone knows being active can decrease risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and increase life longevity. Did you know that when you exercise your body releases endorphins which create feelings of happiness and euphoria? From combating diabetes too preventing cognitive decline, the benefits of exercise are numerous. If exercise seems to be the cure for societies problems, why aren't people more inclined to workout? Is it the fact that exercise requires work, that it's time consuming, or possibly society doesn't have the desire to exercise? Personally, it is my belief that education is the reason why people are not more inclined to workout. People do not fully understand the benefits that follows habitual exercise. If an individual treats his body as if it were a temple, than the body will return the favor in abundance. Below is a list of "at home exercises" that are simple and easy. Everyone says they'll "get around" too working out, why not start today?





Bridging:

Bridging is one of the best exercises that incorporates the Abdominals, Gluteus Maximus, and Hip stability muscles. It can easily be done at one's home or on a strangers property. The technique for a bridge is as following: Flex Gluteus Maximus and abdominals, push through the hill of the foot and squeeze the Gluteus Maximus until body is in a straight line, hold position for 10-15 seconds, and repeat. 

Bulgarian Single Leg Squats:

The Bulgarian Single Leg Squat is an excellent exercise, that can be done at home, to work the quadriceps. Grab a chair, couch, or even a coffee table, the only necessary equipment is a place to hold your foot. Please take note that the equipment should hold the foot around knee level. To perform a Bulgarian Split Squat one needs too place their foot on a knee level platform, as stated before, while their opposite leg makes a 90 degree angle while kneeling. The individual will then push through their foot and quadriceps until they are in standing position.

Pushup:

Everyone has heard of a pushup and performed a repetition at one point in their lives. Push ups are ultimately one of the best non-weighted upper body exercises an individual can do at home. To preform a push up, it is best to start in a plank position with the hands directly inline with the shoulder. Once in position fully extend the arm pronating the scapula forwards. While coming back down into plank position, retract the scapula together to create tension in the back. Remember to keep the body straight during all movements.

Pull up:

Pull ups are a great exercise to work the Latissimus Dorsi and Biceps. Pull ups are relatively simple and easy to preform, though begginers may need assistance. To perform a Pull up an individual needs to have an edge that they can pull their body, more importantly their chin, over the edge.